How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Columbia Bank
Covers 7 deposit, 2 retirement, and 2 lending accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Phone1-866-563-1010
Customer Resource Center (Deposit Accounts)
Fraud/Account Disputes
Home Preservation (Mortgage)
WebsiteLearn more→
Columbia Trust Company
Phone253-305-0536
Toll-Free1-866-563-1010
Fax253-305-1529
Mailing Address
Columbia Trust Company, 1301 A Street, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service (Estate / Deceased Account Notifications)
Phone1-866-486-7782
Toll-Free1-866-486-7782
General Customer Service
Home Preservation (mortgage death notifications)
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning for your Columbia Bank accounts starts with understanding how each one transfers at death. Beneficiary designations and trust retitling both bypass probate, but the right approach depends on the account type, your tax situation, and how much control you want over distributions.
With 11 product types, Columbia Bank offers a range of transfer options. Some accounts support Payable on Death (POD) designations, others can be retitled into a trust, and some require probate if no beneficiary is designated. The sections below break down each step.
Foundation CheckingEmbark CheckingPinnacle CheckingGrow SavingsThrive Money MarketProsper Money MarketCertificate of Deposit (CD)
1
Visit a Columbia Bank branch with government-issued photo ID
2
Request a Beneficiary Designation Form (Payable on Death)
3
Complete the form with beneficiary details:
- Full legal name, date of birth, SSN, and relationship for each beneficiary
- Specify primary and contingent beneficiaries with percentage allocations totaling 100%
4
Submit the completed form to a banker for processing
Special Requirements
- Beneficiary changes cannot be made online
- Completed form must be delivered to the bank (in-branch or by mail)
- Named beneficiaries override instructions in a will
- If designating a trust as beneficiary, a completed Trust Certification Form is also required
Sources
Data sourced from Columbia Bank primary sources (26 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these Columbia Bank instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against Columbia Bank primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
Phone1-866-563-1010
Customer Resource Center (Deposit Accounts)
Fraud/Account Disputes
Home Preservation (Mortgage)
WebsiteLearn more→
Columbia Trust Company
Phone253-305-0536
Toll-Free1-866-563-1010
Fax253-305-1529
Mailing Address
Columbia Trust Company, 1301 A Street, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service (Estate / Deceased Account Notifications)
Phone1-866-486-7782
Toll-Free1-866-486-7782
General Customer Service
Home Preservation (mortgage death notifications)
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Columbia Bank accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
